PaceSetter Book

Speed Activities 6

The coach stands in a position so that they can observe the young athlete running towards them. The coach will note that some young athletes will run quite smoothly whilst others will wobble and twist which should raise questions about the efficiency and correctness of their leg action. Getting young athletes to hold a baton in both hands across their stomach keeping their elbows tucked in, which will not allow them to use their arms, and running as fast as possible can check for correct leg action. WEB COPY ©EVEQUE During sprinting practices the coach should look for: • good posture - tall yet relaxed • head focussing straight forward - 10–20m ahead • driving arm action and considerable arm travel - from the shoulders • high knee lift in a cycling type action - foot climbs over calf • powerful leg drive and heel lift in follow through - pull and push 6.2.2 Sprinting Drills The following drills are not included to imitate proper sprint form but to exaggerate movements and actions found within an effective sprinting technique, thus allowing the young athlete to apply these movements and actions to increase efficiency and speed. A selection of the following drills should be performed in training shoes as part of the warm-up routine over a distance of approximately 20–25 metres and no more than one or two times each. WEB COPY ©EVEQUE 6.2.2.1 Walking Tall

Purpose : To strengthen muscles in lower leg and develop balance.

Action : The young athlete should walk on the balls of the feet and ensure the heels do not come into contact with the ground. The free leg is raised to a point so that the thigh is parallel with the ground and the leg action is alternated every step.

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